Your guest list is set, your budget is in place, and now it's time to start booking vendors! The first vendor wedding professionals recommend securing is your venue, as each one offers unique features that will shape your big day.
Once you've booked your venue, the next major decision is catering. Your caterer plays a huge role—not just in serving food, but also in setting up tables, chairs, dishware, food displays, and the bar. They handle alcohol service, cut and serve your cake, and ensure all trash is taken care of at the end of the night. Hiring a professional catering team can significantly enhance the experience for both you and your guests!
If your venue provides a list of required caterers, rest assured that you're in good hands. If they offer a preferred caterers list, it’s highly recommended that you stick with one of those options. These caterers have proven their ability to take care of both the venue and couples, ensuring a seamless experience.
Before reaching out to caterers, have your guest count ready for accurate quotes, and start thinking about which dinner style suits your vision. There are five main options to consider:
Not every couple wants a traditional seated dinner. If you're leaning towards a more relaxed, social atmosphere where guests can mingle freely, a cocktail-style reception might be perfect.
Here’s how it works:
For couples who love creativity and variety, food stations bring excitement to the reception! Rather than a single buffet line, multiple stations offer a variety of themed dishes with fun, interactive elements.
Some of our favorite station ideas include:
Why couples love stations:
✅ Encourages movement and mingling.
✅ Reduces long buffet lines.
✅ Works well for large guest counts.
✅ Can be paired with cocktail-style seating and an open dance floor!
A buffet is the most familiar and budget-friendly dinner option, offering a variety of choices in an efficient setup.
Here’s how it works:
To enhance your buffet:
Buffets are great for couples who want a cost-effective, crowd-pleasing option that allows guests to eat at their own pace and choose what they would like.
The perfect balance between buffet and plated meals! Family-style dining creates a warm, communal atmosphere by serving large platters of food directly to each table.
How it works:
Key Consideration:
Family-style service requires minimal table décor to make space for serving platters. Consider a mix of high and low centerpieces to keep the table functional yet beautiful.
For couples seeking an elegant, structured dining experience, a plated dinner is the best choice.
There are two ways to serve a plated meal:
💡 Plated dinners require more staffing needs and detailed plating, but they offer the most refined dining experience.
Pro Tip: For a polished look, plated dinners often have minimal table settings (silverware, napkins, and sometimes chargers), as all dishes are plated in the kitchen before serving.
Not every couple wants a traditional seated dinner. If you're leaning towards a more relaxed, social atmosphere where guests can mingle freely, a cocktail-style reception might be perfect.
Here’s how it works:
For couples who love creativity and variety, food stations bring excitement to the reception! Rather than a single buffet line, multiple stations offer a variety of themed dishes with fun, interactive elements.
Some of our favorite station ideas include:
Why couples love stations:
✅ Encourages movement and mingling.
✅ Reduces long buffet lines.
✅ Works well for large guest counts.
✅ Can be paired with cocktail-style seating and an open dance floor!
A buffet is the most familiar and budget-friendly dinner option, offering a variety of choices in an efficient setup.
Here’s how it works:
To enhance your buffet:
Buffets are great for couples who want a cost-effective, crowd-pleasing option that allows guests to eat at their own pace and choose what they would like.
The perfect balance between buffet and plated meals! Family-style dining creates a warm, communal atmosphere by serving large platters of food directly to each table.
How it works:
Key Consideration:
Family-style service requires minimal table décor to make space for serving platters. Consider a mix of high and low centerpieces to keep the table functional yet beautiful.
For couples seeking an elegant, structured dining experience, a plated dinner is the best choice.
There are two ways to serve a plated meal:
💡 Plated dinners require more staffing needs and detailed plating, but they offer the most refined dining experience.
Pro Tip: For a polished look, plated dinners often have minimal table settings (silverware, napkins, and sometimes chargers), as all dishes are plated in the kitchen before serving.
Still undecided? Try this approach:
✔️ Sit down with your partner and list five things you loved and five things you disliked about past wedding meals you’ve experienced.
✔️ Compare your lists to determine what fits best for your guest experience, atmosphere, and budget.
✔️ Once you’ve picked a style and have your guest count, it’s time to book your caterer!
To find the best fit:
🔎 Research & shortlist 3-5 caterers that match your budget and vision.
🍽️ Schedule tastings with 2-3 finalists to experience their food firsthand.
✅ Make your choice based on taste, service, and how well they align with your overall wedding style.